Western Carolina University
Director, Academic Resources & Business Operations - #000414
🇺🇸
Cullowhee, NC
🕑
Full-Time
💰
TBD
💻
Operations
🗓️
April 14th, 2026
Edtech.com's Summary
Western Carolina University is hiring a Director, Academic Resources & Business Operations. The director will oversee academic budgeting and staffing initiatives, coordinate business operations, and support academic leadership in budgeting and faculty hiring. They will also serve as the Provost's designee and liaison between Academic Affairs and Administration and Finance.
Highlights
- Oversee, coordinate, develop, and evaluate business operations including EHRA faculty staffing and budgeting for the academic division.
- Analyze and create policies to improve management functions division-wide.
- Exercise signature authority for the Provost on academic budget and staffing initiatives.
- Provide guidance to deans and academic leaders on staffing and budget matters.
- Engage in strategic budget planning and generate monthly/ad hoc budget reports.
- Serve as liaison between Academic Affairs and Division of Administration and Finance.
- Deliver training and professional development for budget/finance staff and college budget officers.
- Required skills include strong analytical, accounting, budgeting, and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
- Preferred knowledge includes Banner Finance, Banner HR, SharePoint, data analysis, and visualization.
- Minimum qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business or related field with at least 3 years experience; legal authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Director, Academic Resources & Business Operations - #000414 Full Description
Director, Academic Resources & Business Operations - #000414
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.
For questions or additional information please contact Morgan Burnett, Search Committee Chair, at cmburnett@email.wcu.edu
Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number | EHRA1061P
Quick Link for Internal Postings | https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/33655
Classification Title | Director
Working Title | Director, Academic Resources & Business Operations - #000414
Department | Office of the Provost
Anticipated Hiring Range | Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.
About WCU | Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:
• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary | The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
The Director of Academic Resources and Business Operations will report directly to theProvost and will be the Provost’s designee for academic budgeting and staffing initiatives. Responsibilities include: Oversight, coordination, development and evaluation of multiple business operations for the division, including staffing (EHRA Faculty) and budgeting. Analysis, evaluation, and creation of policies/procedures to improve management functions throughout the division. Signature authority for the Provost for academic budget and staffing initiatives. Oversight, guidance and support to deans and other academic leadership regarding staffing (hiring of EHRA faculty positions) and budgeting Strategic and visionary budget planning Serving as liaison between Academic Affairs and the Division of Administration and Finance. Specific initiatives as assigned by the Provost. Creation of monthly and ad hoc budget reports and review of these reports with the Provost. Provision of training and professional development for division’s budget/finance staff to include respective college budget officers.
This position is a key member of the Provost’s executive team.
Minimum Qualifications | Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for current or future employment sponsorship. Bachelor’s degree in business field, including accounting or closely related discipline with at least three (3) years’ experience in the field Strong analytical, accounting and budgeting skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel)
Preferred Qualifications | Master of Accounting, Master of Public Administration, or Master of Business Administration Experience working in Higher Education Experience with Banner Finance, Banner HR, and SharePoint Experience in data analysis and visualization Superior oral and written communication skills Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously Ability to work independently and meet deadlines Superior interpersonal skills
Position Type | Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week | 40
Number of Months Per Year | 12
Quick Link for Internal Postings | https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/33655
Classification Title | Director
Working Title | Director, Academic Resources & Business Operations - #000414
Department | Office of the Provost
Anticipated Hiring Range | Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.
About WCU | Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:
• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary | The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
The Director of Academic Resources and Business Operations will report directly to theProvost and will be the Provost’s designee for academic budgeting and staffing initiatives. Responsibilities include: Oversight, coordination, development and evaluation of multiple business operations for the division, including staffing (EHRA Faculty) and budgeting. Analysis, evaluation, and creation of policies/procedures to improve management functions throughout the division. Signature authority for the Provost for academic budget and staffing initiatives. Oversight, guidance and support to deans and other academic leadership regarding staffing (hiring of EHRA faculty positions) and budgeting Strategic and visionary budget planning Serving as liaison between Academic Affairs and the Division of Administration and Finance. Specific initiatives as assigned by the Provost. Creation of monthly and ad hoc budget reports and review of these reports with the Provost. Provision of training and professional development for division’s budget/finance staff to include respective college budget officers.
This position is a key member of the Provost’s executive team.
Minimum Qualifications | Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for current or future employment sponsorship. Bachelor’s degree in business field, including accounting or closely related discipline with at least three (3) years’ experience in the field Strong analytical, accounting and budgeting skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel)
Preferred Qualifications | Master of Accounting, Master of Public Administration, or Master of Business Administration Experience working in Higher Education Experience with Banner Finance, Banner HR, and SharePoint Experience in data analysis and visualization Superior oral and written communication skills Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously Ability to work independently and meet deadlines Superior interpersonal skills
Position Type | Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week | 40
Number of Months Per Year | 12
Posting Text
Open Date | 04/13/2026
Close Date |
Open Until Filled | Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants | Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.
For questions or additional information please contact Morgan Burnett, Search Committee Chair, at cmburnett@email.wcu.edu
Background/E-Verify | Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification | All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE | Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety | The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Close Date |
Open Until Filled | Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants | Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.
For questions or additional information please contact Morgan Burnett, Search Committee Chair, at cmburnett@email.wcu.edu
Background/E-Verify | Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification | All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE | Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety | The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Resume
- List of references
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you require sponsorship?
- Yes
- No
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